The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded degrees to six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, highlighting efforts to promote education and rehabilitation within Nigeria’s correctional system.

At the ceremony, Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to self-improvement despite incarceration. The graduates completed various NOUN programmes, earning two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.

Dr. Amos Kupan, Deputy Controller-General, emphasized education as a tool for transformation and reintegration. The Director of NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr. Francis Enobore, commended the 13-year collaboration between NOUN and NCoS and pledged continued support for educational access in custodial centres.

On behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, thanked the NCoS and NOUN for providing opportunities for higher education in custody, saying it renewed their sense of purpose. The ceremony also included counselling sessions on post-release reintegration, skill acquisition, and community engagement.